Garioch’s volunteers earn recognition

The selfless spirit shown by the scores of volunteers in communities across Aberdeenshire was recognised by the Provost of Aberdeenshire, Hamish Vernal, at a dedicated reception last week.

And volunteers from the Garioch Area, Alison Beaton from Monymusk, Ernest Tough from Insch, David Evans from Kemnay, Gordon Young, Neil Baillie, Jamie Harper and Jackie Cumberbirch from Inverurie joined more than 40 volunteers to the council’s Woodhill House headquarters on Monday (June 15) for an evening reception. Elected members who had nominated the volunteers for recognition were also in attendance.

Following a welcome from Provost Vernal, the volunteers each received a certificate in recognition of their efforts.

Alison Beaton, was recognised for supporting her local community.

She is a fundraiser for the Monymusk area, where the community works hard to promote its unique identity and welcoming approach to visitors.

Ernest Tough, has lived in the Insch area all of his life, and is the most senior member of the Insch Community Association.

He is a retired postman and electrician, and has been instrumental to the success of the local Christmas lights display each year. Gordon Young along with Glynis Barber of Ellon have been volunteers with the community-led jogging group at Ellon since it was formed a couple of years ago.

Gordon is a volunteer coach who instructs and leads others and supports with his time whenever he can.

David Evans, Kemnay joined Kemnay Community Council in 1985 to help contest a planning application, and 30 years later remains the group’s planning reporter.

Neil Baillie, of Inverurie is secretary of Inverurie Events, an organisation set up three years ago to ensure appropriate Christmas Lights in Inverurie. Neil’s dedication to the Inverurie community saw him voted as Inverurie Citizen of the Year for 2014.

Jamie Harper, of Inverurie is a member of the Sports Hub, representing Inverurie Youth Forum, and became secretary of the Hub earlier this year.

Jamie also shares his time with other local organisations: The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, Inverurie Youth Forum, and Inverurie Academy Library.

It is no surprise that he has received certificates for volunteering, including one from The Saltire Society. Jamie was voted Inverurie Young Citizen of the Year for 2014.

Jackie Cumberbirch’s passion for the outdoors is reflected in her role as a Baillie of Bennachie, a voluntary charity since 1973 which now has nearly 3,000 members.

She has held the chair for the group for around three years, and the team’s work has included the creation of the Bennachie Landscapes Project in partnership with Aberdeen University and Forestry Commission Scotland.